Ferdi Kadıoğlu Could Return for Brighton’s Weekend Premier League Fixture
Brighton & Hove Albion are hopeful that Ferdi Kadıoğlu and midfielder Chema Andrés will be available again for Saturday’s Premier League match after both players were sidelined by minor hip problems.
The pair missed Brighton’s midweek Carabao Cup meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Their injuries were sustained during the previous Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, but head coach Fabian Hürzeler has since delivered an encouraging update on their recovery.
Speaking in Manchester on Thursday, Hürzeler said Kadıoğlu, Andrés and Charalampos Kostoulas were all expected to be potential options for the weekend. Kostoulas had been rested for the cup tie, rather than ruled out through injury.
Kadıoğlu’s possible return would give Brighton another choice in defence as they resume their league campaign. The Turkish international’s availability could be particularly valuable during a busy spell, when squad depth and the ability to rotate players can influence how effectively a team manages its workload.
Brighton have already welcomed Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer back into the group during the Manchester City match. Their return gives Hürzeler more flexibility, although the coach will still need to assess each player’s condition before deciding who is ready to feature from the start and who may be better suited to a substitute role.
Pascal Struijk is not expected to be fit for Saturday. Hürzeler was nevertheless optimistic about the defender’s recovery, indicating that he could return soon after the weekend fixture. His absence means Brighton will need to continue managing their defensive options carefully.
There was also progress from longer-term absentees Zadok and Stefanos Tzimas. Both have resumed work on the training pitch as they continue their rehabilitation. Tzimas is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and returning to training represents a step in that process rather than confirmation that he is ready to play.
For Brighton, the latest update offers a mixture of immediate encouragement and longer-term progress. Having Kadıoğlu and Andrés back in contention would broaden the available choices, while the gradual return of injured players could help the club cope with the demands of the coming weeks.
Even when a player is cleared as an option, the coaching staff must weigh fitness, match sharpness and the risk of aggravating an injury. A brief absence may not require a prolonged recovery, but players still need to demonstrate that they can handle the intensity of competitive football. Hürzeler’s wording leaves room for a final assessment before the team is selected.
The number of available players can also affect Brighton’s approach during a match. More options allow the coach to respond to changes in tempo, protect players carrying heavy workloads and make adjustments without relying on the same small group every time. That flexibility may prove important as league commitments continue alongside cup competition.
Hürzeler welcomed the positive signs but stressed that maintaining availability will matter. With several players returning at different stages of recovery, Brighton will be aiming to build momentum without rushing anyone back. Kadıoğlu’s potential involvement on Saturday would be an encouraging boost, while the club’s wider injury picture appears to be gradually improving.